Listing Summary

Permit Technician (Job Number:230406)

Posting:  Open Until Filled

Salary:  Commensurate with experience

General Description and Classification Standards

Responsible for providing administrative and technical support in one of the following areas:  Permitting, Plan Review, Inspections, and general operations.  The Permit Technician will work within assigned areas, support the office business, and provide customer service to both internal and external customers.  Duties are performed with considerable initiative and independent judgment under the direction of the division manager.  The incumbent must ensure that best-in-class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and also embrace, support, and promote the City’s core values, beliefs, and culture.                                                         

Supervision Received

Work under general supervision.  However, must be able to work independently with minimal supervision individually or in a team as directed.  Reports to Supervisor/Manager, Assistant Director, or Director.   

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Interviews and provides information to applicants regarding building permits and general requirements of the permit process.

Reviews plans, permit applications, and other pertinent information at the public counter in order to verify accuracy and completeness, and compliance with established codes, ordinances, policies, and procedures.

Routes plans to appropriate agencies for approval.

Receives and assembles approved plans. 

Coordinate issuance of building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and other related permits.

Collaborate with customers to schedule inspections.

Maintains computer files and other manual logs on all building permits and related documents; Operates office equipment including computers and supports word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

Updates and maintains contractor registration files for current state and local licensing requirements.

Performs records research to document project history compliance; coordinates permit processes with outside agencies to ensure that all permit requirements are being met.

Use architectural and engineering scales to determine dimensions and calculate areas and percentages as needed.

Decision Making

Follow standardized procedures, building codes, and written/verbal instructions to accomplish assigned tasks.

Must be able to process the information on hand and decide on the next steps to complete tasks and/or resolve issues. 

Determines when to escalate issues to supervisor when required. 

Leadership Provided

May provide guidance and training as required to lower-level, interns, temporary employees, etc.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of the overall permitting process to assist customers, including but not limited to Zoning, Plan Review, Arborists, and Inspections, Knowledge of building codes, ordinances, regulations, laws, and rules.

Must be able to navigate the internet without assistance and have general knowledge of PC use/navigation.

Be familiar with construction documents (CDs) and able to recognize elements within CDs for further research and interpretation for permitting related activities.

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of customer service.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. 

Use independent judgment and make sound decisions in accordance with established procedures and policies.

Works effectively and efficiently under stress and meets deadlines as required.

Works collaboratively with team members to resolve customer challenges. 

Ability to understand the organization and operation of the City to assume the assigned responsibilities.  

Ability to read and interpret construction blueprints, plans, and specifications.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, other officials, representatives of other government agencies, developers, and the public.

Ability to provide information and answer questions pertaining to city planning procedures in a tactful and courteous manner to the public.

Ability to gather relevant information to solve practical problems.

Minimum Qualifications – Education and Experience

High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED), supplemented by three to five years of responsible administrative experience at a building permit counter, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. 

Preferred Education & Experience

Associate degree or vocational training in construction, building inspections, or related fields.  International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician certification is preferred.